Michael J. Fox, Julie Payette appointed to Order of Canada

Actor Michael J. Fox, astronaut Julie Payette and writer Gwynne Dyer are among 74 Canadians who were appointed to the Order of Canada on Wednesday by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.

The order is the country’s highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement.

Fox was named an officer for his advocacy work for Parkinson’s disease and his career as an actor in film and on television.

Payette was named an officer for her work as an engineer and astronaut and in recognition of her "as a source of inspiration and an international ambassador for engineering in Canada," according to a news release.

Dyer, who served in the Canadian, American, and British naval reserves, was made an officer for his contributions as a columnist, documentary producer, broadcaster and author.

There are three different levels of membership to the order: companion, officer and member.

According to the Governor General’s website, a companion is given to someone for outstanding lifetime achievement of the "highest degree."

Someone is named an officer for outstanding lifetime achievement of "a high degree."

And a member appointment is given to those who have given a "lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity."

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 and any Canadian may be nominated, except for federal and provincial politicians as well as judges, who cannot receive an appointment while in office.

For a complete list of those appointed on Wednesday to the order visit: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id13725